Scientists are calling the eruption of an underwater volcano the biggest recorded anywhere on the planet in more than 30 years. Tonga’s Hunga-Tonga-Hunga-Ha’apai volcano erupted on Saturday, January 15, 2022, with a huge plume of ash, gas and steam that spewed up to 13 miles into the atmosphere. The mushroom-like cloud covered the entire South Pacific Island kingdom and the tsunami that coastal areas experienced was frightening for many but rose 3 feet (80 centimeters), allowing most to escape. Communications to the island has been difficult with the local government stating there was damage to underwater fiber optic cables, cutting off most communications to the outside world.
Learn more about this volcanic eruption in the following news articles:
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Before and after satellite images of the town of Nuku'alofa, Tonga. The town covered in ash after the eruption.